Poem by Christian Milne

Painful Anxiety

SINCE WILLIAM cross'd the roaring seas,
I cannot taste a moment's ease;
Imagination's busy train
Presents him buried in the main!
At times, I see him climb the mast,
To reef a sail amid' the blast--
The rope gives way! he's quickly hurl'd
To the tempestuous wat'ry world!
Again, I see the rushing tide
Rude dash him 'gainst a rock's rough side!
Torn by the shock, the gushing blood
Distains around the angry flood!
Ah! now, methinks, I see him borne
(From kindred, wife, and children torn)--
A lifeless corse by strangers kind,
While sighs of feeling swell the wind!
Consoling Hope at times will dart
A ray to cheer my pensive heart;
But, more inclin'd to harbour Fear,
Soon Hope's suggestions disappear.
Thus impious why should I despair?
Is he not 'neath his MAKER 's care,
Who can, with kind and powerful hand,
Protect at sea as well as land! 

1. On Buonaparte's Coronation
2. Written When My Husband Was at Sea
3. Written during a State of Illness
4. Song 4 (DEIGN to love me, charming MARY!)
5. To My Husband, on the Return of Our Wedding Day

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